HP Resident Gets West Nile Virus
Dallas County Health and Human Services has confirmed that a resident in zip code 75205, an area within the town limits of Highland Park, tested positive for West Nile Virus, town officials announced.
Due to medical confidentiality and privacy, DCHHS does not provide any additional identifying information.
In following the guidelines listed in the town’s Mosquito Control Policy, the Parks Department will conduct ground spraying measures for three consecutive nights: Thursday, Aug. 30; Friday, Aug. 31; and Saturday, Sept. 1st.
Note: The mosquito ground spraying measures will take place townwide beginning at 10 p.m. and concluding by 5 a.m. In the event of rain or wind speeds in excess of 10 m.p.h., the ground spraying will be rescheduled.
The town’s decision to use adulticide is based on the Centers for Disease Control’s recommendations that surveillance data, when combined with established thresholds, indicates a necessity to reduce the density of adult mosquito populations quickly to lower the risk of WNV.
Ground spraying measures will include the public rights-of-way and the town’s tennis courts.
Highland Park residents should remain inside and protect pets during the time the sprayers are in your area. Any pet water dishes left outside should be cleaned after spraying.
Individuals are encouraged to survey their yard for any areas with standing water. Drain collected/standing water from areas such as flower pot basins, open trash bins, and replace the water in bird baths regularly. Mosquitoes are known to be most active in the dawn and dusk periods of the day. To prevent mosquito bites, outside activities are complemented by the use of insect repellant (follow manufacturers recommendations) and by dressing in long sleeves and pants. Commercial products for yard applications are available at local home improvement stores. Mosquito dunks are available at no cost at Town Hall.
Town personnel are available for free home/property inspections to identify potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Residents may call 214-521-4161 to arrange a free inspection of their property. Link for information – www.hptx.org/MosquitoControl
